Cross-Border Moves

A trio of companies have unveiled their first ventures outside their home countries:

• Captain D’s (Nashville), a fast-casual seafood restaurant chain, has signed a 20-unit multi-unit franchise agreement for the United Kingdom. The agreement will introduce Captain D’s to Europe, starting with the first restaurant in the London area in 2025.

This marks Captain D’s first venture into Europe and its second international development agreement, following the recent announcement of its Canadian expansion in Toronto.

“Entering the UK with experienced restaurant operators underscores our commitment to our thoughtful international growth,” said CEO Phil Greifeld. “This is just the beginning of our expansion of Captain D’s quality seafood and hospitality to seafood lovers around the world.”

Founded in 1969, Captain D’s has more than 530 restaurants in 23 states. As for future growth, it’s looking to Canada, Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

• Cluck Clucks (Toronto), a chicken and waffles chain, has made its U.S. debut, in Sugar Land, Texas, a southwestern suburb of Houston. Cluck Clucks currently operates six locations in Greater Toronto and has another three locations set to open in Canada over the next six months. In addition, it has signed an area development agreement for Quebec and will expand even further westward with its first Calgary location, also set to open in the first half of 2025.

“The Sugar Land opening is just the beginning of our ambitious North American growth strategy,” said President and CEO Raza Hashim.

• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (Miami) has entered Canada with eight locales in the Toronto area – four of which are open and four of which are pending. In addition, during the past year the pet business expanded into 10 additional U.S. states. Founded in 2007, company now has a total of 239 stores in 26 states and plans further expansion in 2025, though it did not provide specifics on that growth.